Reef fish and minimum tank sizes

[jonathanyhsu]

Are there any resources that give recommended minimum tank volumes for the various reef fish species? I can't seem to find a thread or a web-page that lists this, as my smaller 36gallon tank restricts my species choice.

Alternatively, if anyone has species suggestions, I have an cycled 36gal tank that has nothing in it but a large number of Nassarius snails (e.g. all the real estate is free and unoccupied).

Lastly, what determines whether a tank is overstocked? I read a previous thread where 9 fish in a 34gallon tank was considered overstocked. What determines that? Is fish health visibly impacted due to fighting? Is it empirically determined due to mortality/injuries/disease? Is it possible to calculate or estimate this ahead of time?

 

[sugardaddy1979]

Stock isn't just about number of fish. Different fish have different bioload and space needs. As a generalization I'd say 4 to 6 small fish is max for that tank. Liveaquaria is a good resource for tank sizes I think. A bit conservative, but that's not a bad thing.

 

[AuburnTiger1]

^+1^

 

[Dmorty217]

Liveaquaria has recommended minimum tank sizes for all fish they sell... But keep in mind this is the MINIMUM recommended tank size and depending on other fish you already have that tank size they recommend may still be too small

 

[las]

A wartskin angler would be great for that size tank. However, be mindful of water quality in such a small environment. I'd do 20% weekly water changes if you are feeding an angler silversides 3x a week.

 

[Deinonych]

Bear in mind that size isn't the only determining factor. Many species will defend a large portion of the tank as their territory, making stocking even more critical.